San Diego Braces for 50 Mph Gusts as Wet, Windy Weekend Moves In

Cooler temps, choppy seas and travel impacts expected as gusty west-southwest winds and showers arrive Saturday–Sunday.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:07pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting an incoming storm system, with dark, ominous clouds dominating the sky and casting dramatic shadows over the terrain below, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the approaching weather event.As a powerful storm system approaches, the natural world's raw, untamed power looms over the San Diego region, foreshadowing the gusty winds, heavy rain, and potential disruptions to come.San Diego Today

A weekend cooling trend, gusty west to southwest winds, and a growing chance of rain late Saturday into Sunday could complicate mountain travel and outdoor plans in San Diego. Winds are the main headline, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph expected Saturday and Sunday and occasional 60+ mph bursts on favored lower desert slopes. Patchy coastal fog, choppy seas, and periods of stronger winds for mariners are also expected.

Why it matters

Strong winds and heavy rain can lead to power outages, downed trees, and dangerous driving conditions, impacting transportation and outdoor activities in the San Diego area. The NWS has issued warnings for the public to secure loose items and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak wind periods.

The details

According to the NWS San Diego, a second low moves in late Saturday night into Sunday, bringing the best chance of showers and a slight risk of thunderstorms Sunday afternoon. Rainfall totals may reach a few tenths of an inch near the coast and up to a half inch in parts of the mountains. Snow levels hang around 6,500 to 7,000 feet Saturday, then dip toward 6,000 feet Sunday, so high country trips could see a brief shot of light snow.

  • Today should still feel relatively pleasant, with highs near 72°F and light west winds that may gust to around 20 mph in the afternoon.
  • A chance of spotty rain showers develops late tonight after about 11 p.m., with lows near 60°F and only minor totals at first.
  • Gusts to 35 to 45 mph are possible in the mountains and deserts today, with stronger gusts of 40 to 50 mph expected Saturday and Sunday and occasional 60+ mph bursts on favored lower desert slopes.
  • Patchy coastal fog should lift by late morning into the afternoon before rebuilding overnight, which means lower visibility for early coastal commutes and clearer afternoons inland.
  • On the water, mariners should plan for choppy seas and bouts of stronger northwest winds Sunday.

The players

NWS San Diego

The National Weather Service office serving the San Diego, California area.

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What they’re saying

“Spotters are encouraged to report significant conditions, even though no Skywarn activation has been requested.”

— NWS San Diego

What’s next

Residents and travelers in the San Diego area should continue to monitor weather forecasts and warnings from the NWS San Diego, secure any loose outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak wind periods this weekend.

The takeaway

This incoming weather system poses a significant threat to the San Diego region, with the potential for power outages, downed trees, and dangerous driving conditions due to the combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and possible thunderstorms. Residents and visitors should take appropriate precautions to stay safe during this potentially disruptive weather event.